The Philippines has summoned a Chinese envoy in Manila to protest Beijing's use of a water cannon that damaged a Filipino vessel in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
According to the Philippines Foreign Ministry, the country protested against the "harassment, ramming, swarming, shadowing, and blocking" of its vessel, describing the use of water cannons and tactics as "dangerous maneuvers" and "aggressive actions." Manila demanded that the Chinese vessels leave Bajo de Masinloc and its vicinity immediately.
This marks the 20th protest by the Philippines against Chinese actions in the sea this year and the 153rd under the administration of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, as encounters between the two nations have become more frequent and serious.
The most recent incident occurred at Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Island in China and Bajo de Masinloc within Manila's exclusive economic zone. A video shared by the Philippine Coast Guard showed two large Chinese vessels encircling the Philippine ship and firing water cannons.
The Philippines Coast Guard reported that four China Coast Guard vessels and six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels were involved in the incident, causing significant damage to the Filipino vessel. Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippines Coast Guard on South China Sea matters, condemned the use of force, stating, "It just goes to show that Goliath is becoming more Goliath. They don’t hesitate to use brute force to violate international law."
In response, a spokesperson at China's embassy in Manila reiterated China's claim over Scarborough Shoal, urging the Philippines to cease "infringement and provocations" and to not challenge China's resolve to defend its sovereignty.
However, it is important to note that no country has sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing patch close to major shipping lanes that is used by several countries. The shoal falls within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and has been a constant source of tension between the Philippines and China.